Uncommon PHU turnovers lead to Countryside victory

The Cougars take advantage of two interceptions and a fumble recovery to record a 28-7 win over the Hurricanes.

By BOB PUTNAM
Published September 16, 2006

PALM HARBOR - Back to math.

Palm Harbor University, the academic power masquerading as a football school, was in over its head, after all. The Hurricanes, who were 2-1 for the first time in the program's 10-year history, fought Friday night against district rival Countryside as if their grade-point averages depended on it.

But PHU was done in by a word not normally in their vocabulary: turnovers. The Hurricanes threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and failed to get a punt off. The Cougars took advantage and cruised to a 28-7 victory.

"Countryside is a great team, and I wish we were able to play a little better, especially with such a big-game atmosphere," Hurricanes coach Pete Just said.

How big was this game? The line of cars getting into the stadium stretched so far there was a traffic jam at Nebraska Avenue. The crowd became so enormous some fans were turned away.

Early on, PHU (2-2) gave its sold-out crowd something to cheer about. The Hurricanes picked off Countryside quarterback L.D. Crow and drove down the field, thanks in large part to fake punt that was converted into a first down.

Quarterback Anthony Diaz ran in a quarterback sneak. The point-after was good, giving PHU a 7-0 lead.

The momentum changed after that. Crow settled down and started making quick, decisive throws. That helped as the Cougars (4-0) tied the game on a 4-yard pass from Crow to Ryan Messmore.

On the next series, Countryside defensive back Derek Nagel stepped in front of a pass and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-7.

The Hurricanes never recovered. They gained 53 yards in the first half and had to punt three times.

In the second half, the Cougars broke the game open, using their running game to go on a 73-yard drive capped off by Dawrence Roberts 3-yard run for a score.

Countryside tacked on another score on a 11-yard run by Chris Ramsey in the fourth.

"It was sloppy, but it was a win," Cougars coach John Davis said. "PHU did a good job. They were physical and gave some fits at times.

"Thankfully, the defense pulled through by getting some turnovers. We know we need to play better."

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 06:05:01]